Te Mata Peak is not only the first place in the world to see the sunrise each morning but also one of the best places in the world to watch it set. With stunning 360 degree panoramic views there are few places in the world that offer vistas as dramatic as those from Te Mata Peak at sunset. Add a glass of premium New Zealand bubbles to the equation and the scene is set for a truly amazing ‘champagne sunset’.

This is how Odyssey New Zealand likes to watch the sun disappear each evening on their Twilight Odyssey. The critically acclaimed Twilight Odyssey is the world’s only progressive winery dinner and take’s you on a culinary journey across the Hawke’s Bay region visiting some of the country’s premium gastronomic winery destinations. This truly unique experience allows you to indulge in top local produce accompanied by a plethora of exceptional wines at a selection of the region’s top dining venues – all in one truly memorable evening.

Contrast the grandeur of the country’s oldest winery the Mission Estate with the contemporary masterpieces of Elephant Hill and Craggy Range. Soak up the atmosphere among the giant barrels at Vidal Estate New Zealand’s first winery restaurant. Odyssey New Zealand takes you on a culinary adventure of great proportions filled with beautiful scenery and epic architecture.

Vidal Estate

The conviviality begins at Vidal Estate with an interactive wine tasting as you share platters loaded with the best and freshest local ingredients.

Founded in 1905 by Anthony Joseph Vidal, Vidal Estate is one of Hawke's Bay’s original wineries. Anthony Joseph Vidal journeyed from Spain to New Zealand and in 1905 built his winery in a converted racing stable. It was from there he became one of New Zealand’s early wine innovators.

Today the Vidal legacy continues and is captured in the ambience of the Vidal winery restaurant and Vidal’s award-winning wines created with food in mind. New Zealand’s first winery restaurant opened its doors in 1979, on the original winery site where Anthony’s passion for sharing wine with great food and good friends lives on today.

The menu features a comprehensive wine list with grapes sourced from New Zealand’s premium wine growing regions, including Hawke’s Bay’s world renowned Gimblett Gravels.

Te Mata Peak

With the mood for the evening set in place, you continue the journey to the top of Te Mata Peak 399m above sea level. Maori Legend has it that a giant named Te Mata died on this spot while proving his love to a beautiful maiden Hinerakau and his prostrate body forms Te Mata Peak. At sunset one can often see, in the mists which stretch from the crown of Kahuraanake, the beautiful blue cloak with which the grieving Hinerakau covered the body of her husband before leaping to her own death from the precipice on the Waimarama side of the peak. The gully at the base of the cliff was formed when her body struck the earth. A glass of premium New Zealand bubbles is provided to help awaken the imagination and absorb the legendary panoramic views that have been enjoyed by the locals for centuries.

Craggy Range

We descend into the picturesque Tuki Tuki valley where Craggy Range winery nestles under the dramatic landscape of Te Mata Peak. A view of stunning proportions that will mesmerise you with its magnificence.

Craggy Range is a family legacy of the Peabody and Smith families. Together they put a plan in motion to buy the best vineyard land, select parcels of grapes grown by the country’s best farmers and choose a place for their restaurant and cellar door.

At Craggy Range the restaurant is called “Terrôir” – its name reflecting that its food, the vineyard’s wine and its culture, come together sublimely, in a unique and dramatic setting. Terrôir sources Hawke's Bay’s finest meat, produce and seafood providing fabulous New Zealand cuisine with a French country theme. Each dish is prepared sensitively and cooked by skilled people who are passionate about quality food, presented in a style which is simple and real.

The Terrôir restaurant wine list provides the most comprehensive view of Craggy Range’s Single Vineyard portfolio. Every wine comes from a specific vineyard site that gives its own unique imprint on the taste of that wine. All wines on this wine list will enhance the fresh, seasonal local produce used in Terrôir’s dishes, guaranteeing a fantastic food and wine experience.

Elephant Hill

Odyssey New Zealand can also take you along an alternative scenic route to the coastal appellation of Te Awanga which overlooks the Cliffs of Cape Kidnappers stretching out into the Pacific. Here we find the stunning and innovative winery estate of Elephant Hill.

As a producer of premium Hawke’s Bay wine, the Elephant Hill vineyard enjoys the spoils of a temperate, dry climate and an extended growing season. Cooled by afternoon sea breezes, the shingle vineyard grows wines that display a wonderful fruit purity and elegance. Every wine crafted by Elephant Hill is made of100% hand-picked fruit from sustainably run vineyards. With stunning views towards the Pacific Ocean and the iconic form of Cape Kidnappers, the winery restaurant is the perfect place to relax and enjoy world class wines and contemporary New Zealand cuisine made with only the freshest seasonal produce.

On the Twilight Odyssey you may enjoy a main course and glass of wine chosen from Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay which are the hallmarks of dedication to produce classical, aromatic whites. World-class Syrah, Bordeaux-style varieties, Pinot Noir and the much loved Rosé complete the range.

Influenced by contemporary design, the cellar door and sunken lounge is the perfect place to visit, taste wines & share platters at the beginning of the evening too. In any direction the views will inspire and captivate as will the Elephant Hill food and wine experience.

Mission Estate

From the cutting edge contemporary architecture of Craggy Range or Elephant Hill, Odyssey New Zealand then continues the voyage to the opulent setting of the country’s oldest and grandest winery the Mission Estate.

Mission Estate is the country’s oldest winery and the birthplace of wine in New Zealand. The winery was established in 1851 by pioneering French Missionaries and remains under original ownership to this day. As one of New Zealand’s most experienced winemakers, Paul Mooney has been at Mission for over 30 years. Paul’s winemaking philosophies are heavily influenced by his mentor; Brother John, who trained in Bordeaux during the 1960’s. The winemaking approach at Mission is a blend of old world artistry and new world technology. The focus is always on developing elegant, food friendly wines of superior structure and texture. Nestled in the Taradale Hills, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Napier city and the coast beyond.

The acclaimed fine dining Mission Restaurant offers intimate indoor or alfresco style dining with exquisite local cuisine. Here you will indulge in some of the region’s finest desserts accompanied by one of their many award winning dessert wines. The perfect end to a perfect evening.

Wind down with a coffee and reflect on your journey which has carried you across the region from the depths of the Tuki Tuki Valley to the heights of Te Mata Peak, from the rolling hills of Greenmeadows across the Heretauanga Plains to the Pacific Coast at Te Awanga. A Twilight Odyssey is the perfect way to explore Hawke’s Bay while you spoil yourself along the way immersed in the very best food, wine, scenery and architecture. A true taste of the amazing gifts this region has to offer. Twilight really is the most extraordinary time of the day to discover the Terrôir of Hawke’s Bay.